Big facts from jeni:

He definitely dodged a bullet if she thought that was cheating.

“Cheating” or behavior akin to it like “inappropriate in a relationship” is one of those things that doesn’t have a checklist- cheating is whatever you feel it is. Some couples won’t consider it cheating if their partner has sex with someone else, but will call it cheating if they were to sleep in the same bed after, or go on a date first. Some couples think it’s ok to make out with someone else while drunk- but no further, and not when sober. Others would say that cuddling on the couch with you <gender and sexuality you are attracted to or is attracted to you> Best friend or childhood friend or even being under a blanket together watching a movie is cheating. Some might call masturbation cheating even without porn- even to images of them. That’s that “communication” thing. Both partners should know and agree on what is or isn’t acceptable in that individual relationship. We can’t just assume others have the same values and ideas on things as us.

I wouldn't describe it as cheating. But I do think its not great in a relationship

It depends If they had talked and agreed that it was deemed cheating or not.

TECHNICALLY, it's emotional cheating. However, all humans do it... So, who cares.